Blackcaps Gear Up for Blockbuster Home Summer Against Cricket Giants

Friday - 11/07/2025 05:06

The South Africa leg will see double-headers involving both the men's and women's teams

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled a jam-packed home schedule for the 2025-26 season, featuring both the men's and women's teams. The Blackcaps are set to host Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies in a series of thrilling contests across all formats. Meanwhile, the White Ferns will engage in a compelling white-ball series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The Black Caps are preparing for a busy season ahead.

The men's team have a packed schedule ahead of the T20 World Cup next year © Getty

Men's Schedule Highlights

The New Zealand men's team will commence their home summer with a three-match T20I series against Australia, beginning on October 1st. Following this, they will face England in a white-ball series consisting of three T20Is (starting October 18th) and three ODIs (starting October 26th).

The West Indies will then arrive for an extensive tour, starting with a five-match T20I series on November 5th. This will be followed by three ODIs, commencing November 16th, and a three-Test series, with the first Test starting on December 6th.

Women's Schedule Highlights

The White Ferns, after participating in the ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, will have a home season featuring 14 white-ball games, starting early next year.

Notably, the White Ferns will host Zimbabwe for the first time ever in a three-match T20I series, starting on February 25th. This will be followed by a three-match ODI series, part of the next ICC Women's Championship 2025-29, beginning on March 5th.

Adding to the excitement, a five-match T20I series against South Africa will be played as double-headers alongside the men's side of both countries, running concurrently from March 15th to 25th. The White Ferns will also play three ODIs against South Africa Women, between March 29th and April 4th.

NZC's Perspective

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed his enthusiasm for the schedule, stating, "It's great to welcome such a diverse range of opponents for both the Blackcaps and White Ferns, and especially pleasing for NZC to host the first-ever series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand women."

He further highlighted the unique experience for fans, saying, "Fans will see top-tier cricket across all our major centres, with the doubleheaders against South Africa offering a chance to watch the very best female and male cricketers in the world on display in a unique day-out experience."

Weenink also emphasized the importance of building the summer around the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, providing players with opportunities to shine on the global stage and in front of their home fans.

Player's Perspective

Pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson echoed the excitement, saying, "It feels like a marquee summer. The calibre of opposition means we'll be constantly tested for the duration of the season and that's what you want as a cricketer."

He also acknowledged the significance of playing in front of home crowds and expressed hope for strong support from New Zealand fans throughout the summer.